Condemning Attack by Allied Democratic Forces against Democratic Republic of Congo Peacekeepers, Secretary-General Urges Swiftly Bringing Offenders to Justice

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) against a United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) base yesterday in Makembi in North Kivu.

One peacekeeper from Malawi was killed and another was wounded during a heavy exchange of fire.  Four FARDC [Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo] soldiers and a number of civilians were also killed yesterday in two other ADF attacks in the area.

The Secretary-General calls for swift action to bring the perpetrators of these attacks to justice.  He is extremely concerned by the series of attacks by the ADF in North Kivu, which have already resulted in more than 500 known civilian deaths since October 2014.  Such attacks on civilians are a clear violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to support the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their efforts to neutralize armed groups and end impunity, in line with MONUSCO’s mandate.

The Secretary-General offers his condolences to the family and to the Government and people of Malawi.  He wishes a speedy recovery to the wounded.